Competing in the Robot Systems at WorldSkills Lyon was a defining moment in Jason’s career. What began as an opportunity to test his skills on the international stage has since become a journey of personal and professional growth, opening doors he never expected.
Through WorldSkills UK, Jason developed technical expertise that extended far beyond the competition itself. The knowledge and experience he gained have had a lasting impact in the workplace at AES Global, where he has helped influence the introduction of robotics into the business, something that had never previously been considered. His career has continued to go from strength to strength, most recently earning him a promotion to Lead R&D Engineer.
For Jason, one of the greatest lessons from WorldSkills UK was learning to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. The experience challenged him to continually push beyond his limits, building resilience, confidence and the ability to perform under pressure. Alongside strengthening his technical skills, he developed the confidence to speak publicly, share his expertise and establish himself as a respected voice within the industry.
WorldSkills UK also introduced Jason to a global community of like-minded people. Through the competition, he built friendships with competitors and professionals from different industries and countries, creating a network that continues to inspire and support his career.
Wanting to give back after everything he had gained, Jason became a WorldSkills UK Skills Champion. Passionate about encouraging others to take part, he believes the more people who get involved, the stronger the UK’s skills community becomes. Having experienced first-hand the impact WorldSkills UK has had on his own career, he is equally proud to see the difference it has made to the apprentices, learners and colleagues he has worked alongside and supported.
As a Skills Champion, Jason has continued to make the most of every opportunity. He has spoken to students at a technical college in London, shared his experiences at WorldSkills UK bootcamps, supported Middlesex University with National Competition entries and rejoined the Industrial Robotics training team to help prepare future competitors.
This September, Jason will travel to Shanghai as a WorldSkills UK Skills Champion, supporting Team UK at the world’s largest skills competition. Returning to the WorldSkills stage after competing in Lyon is a full-circle moment. This time, he will attend not as a competitor, but as an ambassador for skills excellence. Throughout the event, he will engage with key stakeholders from across the international skills community, lead tours for the UK delegation, share his own WorldSkills journey with visitors and champion the value of technical education and skills development. He will also support Team UK competitors, helping to inspire and encourage them as they compete on the world stage, while showcasing the impact WorldSkills UK continues to have on individuals, employers and the wider skills sector.
Reflecting on his own experience of competing in Lyon, Jason’s advice to Team UK is simple:
“Get involved in absolutely everything.” Whether it’s meeting new people, taking part in cultural activities or embracing opportunities outside of the competition itself, he believes those are the experiences that create the strongest memories.”
For anyone considering WorldSkills UK, Jason said “Just get stuck in and give it your all.”
While the competitions demand commitment and hard work, he believes the experience lasts far beyond the event itself. The skills, confidence, friendships and career opportunities gained through WorldSkills UK have transformed his own journey and could do the same for countless others.
